Not that long ago, I gave up on the Couch to 5K app after run 3 because, well, I'm pretty lazy, eternally tired thanks to my nocturnal three year old and can never find the time to exercise when all I really want to do after a day at work or with the kids is put my PJ's on and crash in front of the TV.  So this must be for a really good cause because there is no other way I'd put myself through such torment! 

I'm secretly hoping I will become one of those people that takes up running and loves it so much I'll voluntarily want to go out pounding the streets, but deep down I think I know that it's more likely I will hate every gruelling second of it and collapse in a bright red sweaty heap once this is over and never do it again! 

So despite all of the above and the official Manchester 10k being cancelled I will be doing a #mygreatmanchesterrun 10k between now and the 6th September to raise money for MQ, which is an incredibly worthy cause and close to the hearts of everyone at Stockport Homes. Struggles with mental health can happen to anyone at any time. This  charity means a lot to me and to my peers and colleagues whose courage, strength and resilience I have nothing but admiration for. 

A bit more info about MQ: Stockport Homes Group's Charity of Choice for 2020-21 is MQ: Transforming Mental Health. MQ is the leading mental health research charity dedicated to tackling mental health through research. Their vision is to create a world where mental illness is understood, effectively treated and ultimately prevented. 

With 1 in 4 people being affected by mental illness each year, it is a reality that everyone has had experience with, whether at home, work or within the community. 

Stockport Homes Group is a strong advocate for mental health and will be working with the charity, helping MQ find out more about mental health to improve the lives of everyone affected. Stockport Homes Group has a busy calendar of fundraising events planned to support the charity with everything from bake sales to bingo, well-being walks to 10k runs.